[mili]general

Supporters of some militia leaders have clashed with an armed Islamist group. Their opponents say the Islamic courts are terrorising local people. A top cleric says fighting will continue until the other side surrenders.

From a reporter, Hannah Allam, currently in Iraq who is responding to a raging and very angry debate that began on the Arab Women's Solidarity Association listserv when children were recently killed while taking candy from US soldiers.

Girls are abducted against their will to live life in the army. The roles vary from being soldiers to porters but most are forced to serve as sex slaves or ‘wives’. The findings highlight a global trend which is not unique to one country or continent.